VICTIMIZED JOURNALISTS

Journalists are the brave beings among us who are not afraid to expose the truth, may it be a matter concerning national interest or some intelligence info leak. They tend to work their lives off in service of the public but what return do they get? Death. Journalism has evolved manifolds due to contribution of technology and most of all internet, they were not scared to post the truth in the local newspaper or a blog, unfortunately the case is reversed so one might wonder about the relativity of Freedom of Speech in modern era. Muslim countries that exist in the South of Asia are the target of religious extremism where intolerance has long since prevailed. Journalists are victimized when they support nonreligious beliefs, raise voice against Muslim extremists or try to change the corrupt system through media. Journalist's duties are concerned to display the motives of certain actions but it is unjustifiable to end their lives for a mere exposure. Though some journalists are also a target of terrorist attacks but the majority are a scapegoat in the prevalent social ill of criticizing journalists and then taking hardcore measures.

• International Federation of Journalists has reported, since 1990 at least 2297 journalists and media workers have been killed.
• Iraq is ranked at the top with 309 killings followed by the Philippines 146, Mexico 120, Pakistan 115, Russian Federation 109, Algeria 106, India 95, Somalia 75, Syria 67 and Brazil 62.
• The IFJ further said that journalists lost their lives in targeted killings, bomb attacks, in the cross-fire and kidnappings in wars and armed conflicts across the globe while others were killed by organised crime barons and corrupt officials.
• Some 112 journalists and media professionals were killed last year alone, although the peak year was 155 killings in 2006.

As it is clear as glass that some journalists were killed because of some ulterior motive which is absolutely unacceptable in this day and age. The journalist safety must be a priority and media should protest any such act.

Solution:
With just one out of 10 killings investigated in the past, the future is a bleak one for journalists. The UN urges to end the impunity for killings and other attacks on media professionals because failure in this regard only fuels the violence against them. These deaths of journalists are not only confined to passing away but they also represented our tribute for their courage and the ultimate sacrifice paid by journalists in massive numbers, who lost their lives fulfilling the role to inform and empower the public. Many journalists are deprived of law in their respective countries for their safety. Security and military officers and others who deal with them must respect their independence for ensuring their safety in the first phase and governments should comply with their international obligations by investigating journalists' killings and bringing those responsible to justice, thus deterring future violence. Lastly, journalists have to refrain from activities which are perilous for them to avoid any unnecessary fuss unless the matter is of utmost importance.